Selenium in Urine (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the amount of selenium, a trace mineral, in your urine over a 24-hour period to assess your body’s selenium levels.
["Helps evaluate selenium status and potential deficiencies or excesses over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111095-6
- Short code
- Selenium Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Selenium Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order a 24-hour selenium urine test if they suspect selenium deficiency, especially in cases of chronic kidney disease, malabsorption issues, or certain dietary concerns. It can also be used to monitor selenium levels in patients receiving selenium supplements or those with conditions linked to selenium metabolism, such as certain genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases.
How the Test Is Collected
You’ll need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. Typically, you start the collection after urinating at midnight on the day the test begins. You’ll keep the container refrigerated and return it to the lab with the collected urine.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually required, but follow any instructions your provider gives you, such as avoiding certain medications or foods that might affect results. Drink plenty of water to ensure adequate urine volume throughout the day.
What to Expect During the Test
Since this is a urine test, no additional procedure is needed at a lab visit. Your sample is processed and analyzed to measure selenium concentration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a role in antioxidant protection, immune function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Low selenium levels may contribute to fatigue, weakened immunity, hair loss, or muscle pain. High levels can sometimes cause hair loss, nausea, or neurological symptoms. This test helps identify whether your body is absorbing or retaining selenium appropriately, guiding treatment decisions for deficiencies or monitoring for toxicity.
Short name
24-Hour Selenium Urine
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 24-hour urine collection take?
What should I do if I miss part of the collection?
Can diet affect my selenium urine test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy